Juran Bowen

Barbados

Now this bar is an old time local favourite for the middle class of Barbados, but what this unique space has become is so much more. Embracing its connection to live music and its commitment to providing LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, Mojo has become a hub centred on love, family and acceptance. It’s easy to get to and the food is really yummy too. My favourite hidden gem here are the deep fried mushrooms, and all the bar tenders know me and my friends by name.

Now this one is close to my creative side. Sage Bar represents artistry at its finest as it is the home to so many queer-friendly creative spaces for open mics to performances in the most intimate of settings. The aesthetic of the place is its charm and eclectic atmosphere with mismatched pieces of furniture – from couches to stools to love seats and more; but imagine that all in the front of your cosy old style Barbadian bungalow. You heard right. It’s run out of the owners’ house and trust me when I say you’d love them, because they run it with love, love and more love.

Worthing Square is like a second home to me. It’s a food truck plaza with about 30 types of food to choose from: Asian fusion, Italian pizza, tacos, burgers, Bajan food (like the real, real stuff), curries and even some Arabian food. Imagine all of that and then add a Mount Gay rum bar with specialty cocktails and bottles for sale, even a three for $10 beer special, and seating to enjoy the cool shade on a hot day. At night, the vibe changes as live entertainment livens up the place.

This is my best friend’s favourite place to go and I knew I needed to
mention it because thrifting is both charity and self-gratification. Cheap, unique, thrifty finds with a particular Bajan flair, trust me it’s worth it.

Lastly, my workspace. An organisation dedicated to providing safe spaces and services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Now I've got to mention this. Equals hosts and sponsors limes, games nights, balls, parties, quiz nights – all for queer people by queer people.

Queer-Friendly Spaces in Barbados Spotlighted by Juran

Tushar 

Lagos

Needs no introduction. This David Adjaye-built concept store is a visionary space and a must visit for anyone who comes to Lagos. Their restaurant in the back, NOK, is popping on Fridays

Lagos’ first non-profit artist residency program. They have brilliant artists coming in to work 3 sessions a year. It’s always great to go hang out on open days and talk to artists about their projects. They also have presentations of the artists’ work once the residency sessions are over

This is the showroom space for Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO brand. Go here to shop, hang out and sip some rum agricole or, on special days and if you’re invited, party at the best raves in Lagos. Fashion Week season is always mighty eventful at this space

This concept space in Lekki is a collaboration project between a bunch of young creatives. They have a publication, a gallery space, a fashion label, and God knows what else. Their exhibitions focus on showcasing the process and use of technology

Located in the top flat of a seven-story building in Lagos and founded by artist Wura-Natasha Ogunji, The Treehouse supports creative experimentation, artistic investigation and the asking of radical and open questions. With views of creek and lagoon, prison and polo fields, it provides a perfect platform for thinking about how spaces, architecture, and community influence and inform how we move, feel, and imagine the world

Set up with the purpose of using creativity to engage with the community in Lagos Island, hFACTOR is a space and also a collective (of which I am a part). Through exhibitions, talks, gatherings and other engagements, we hope to have conversations opening people's minds to new possibilities

Creative Spaces with Tushar

Ana Clara Watanabe

São Paulo

Pinacoteca de São Paulo is a museum dedicated to Brazilian Visual Art. With an emphasis on Brazilian production from the nineteenth century to the present day, the place also dialogue with the cultures of the world by collecting, studying, preserving, exhibiting and communicating its collections to promote the public’s experience with art, stimulate creativity and the construction of knowledge. Founded in 1905 by the São Paulo State Government, it is the city’s oldest art museum.

SESC is a non-profit Brazilian private institution that makes available Education, Health, Culture and Recreational programs and events and well as provides Social Assistance to workers and their dependents. Since its foundation, Sesc has contributed to socioeconomic and cultural development in Brazil through social and educational actions and a wide variety of services that encourage the exercise of citizenship.

At SESC you can do anything for a really affordable price. You can have a good meal, visit a nice exhibition or even watch a special concert for a R$10. Some SESC's in São Paulo have pools, gyms and a few activities for you and your family/friends.

Casa do Povo means “house of people” and that’s literally what they are. It’s a place that provides many cultural activities for those who can afford. You can find there sewing classes, social activities like Empreendedoras Sin Fronteras, choral, dance lessons, meetings and a really comfortable place to spend the afternoon learning, listening and meeting nice people.

The old building of the "Sorocabana Railroad" is now "Sala São Paulo", home of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra and one of the most important concert and event venues in the country.

Designed by Christiano Stockler das Neves in 1925 ―a period when the city, stimulated by coffee and the railway, was growing at a fast pace― the building, marked by the sobriety of the ornaments and details of the Louis XVI style, would only be completed in 1938, when the urbanization of São Paulo was already characterized by the presence of automobiles, minimizing the use of trams and trains.

One of my dearest friends once told me about this place where a couple of Korean immigrants serves their traditional family recipes. They don’t speak Portuguese very well, but the place, their energy and the food makes you feel like home.

Good price and one of the best Korean foods that I ever tried. Really worth it to visit and it’s also located near to the best fabrics and trims stores! They don’t have a website, but you can get more infos at their Instagram page.

José Paulino is a famous fashion street where you can find clothes and accessories from several different brands and designers. It’s a street where you can visit a fancy shop, a shop that has another 10 shops inside of it, buy clothes on the streets... It’s really worth it the visit ‘cause you can find anything there, meet brands that you may never heard about but with well-made pieces, clothes for a popular price, things that are trending right now…

This part of the town has already suffered a lot of “bad judgments” ‘cause a lot of immigrants work in this part of town in bad conditions, so be careful and ask from where and how that piece was made.

If you’re looking for a good meal in a good and beautiful restaurant, here’s your place. Darê is one of the best Korean cuisines that I ever tried, and they have two options: the first one, where you serve yourself at a table with cold and hot Korean food; and the second and “fancy” one, where you can check their menu with more different options.

The Chef Paulo Shin revisited the mix between the traditional and the modern Korean Cuisine. “We privilege the cozy and casual experience, with the commitment to bring a meal with the care of the production taught by Dona Myung (Paulo’s mom), the flavor that refers to the Korean roots and the experiences of different refinements.

Ana's Guide to Bom Retiro

MOONGA K

Johannesburg

This is my favorite thrift store and one I only discovered earlier this year. They've got everything from vintage clothing, to film cameras and super 8's, to vinyls and record players all at really affordable prices. Highly recommend this space as you'd spend the whole day perusing through wonderland.

Another store with a plethora of vintage stuff, they have rad discounts on a weekly basis on clothes and accessories, among many other things.

This is the scene in Mean Girls where Regina George imagines all the girls in high school mauling each other like animals, Dunusa is a jungle and one you should prepare all your energy for as it's wild but you will find so many gems at really cheap prices. Always remember to only have cash with you.

Not only will you meet the cutest little cats but you will step into a big store full of amazing vintage clothing and the store depends solely on donations by supporting 30 charity organisations. Your money would be going to great causes for both people and pets in the neighbouring communities!

Another thrift store that supports charity and offers a wide array of cool clothing to look through.

Every Saturday, you can find thrift markets at Kitcheners with cool styles ranging from denim looks to '80's aesthetics.

Literally anywhere in Maboneng, you will find really lovely thrift stores and during weekends they are alight with markets on the street with incredible styles, and you can find your way to café's and restaurants as you shop.

A beautiful space with a collection of little stores that have boutique fashion to look through.

Johannesburg's Best Thrift Shops with MOONGA K.

BKLAVA 

London

Maroush is situated on Edgware Road. There’s actually a chain of Maroushs' in and around the city. The restaurant is owned by a couple that have a very interesting origin story in this country: "When my wife Houda and I arrived in London over 35 years ago war was raging in our home country, Lebanon. It felt sad leaving our family and friends behind, but Londoners received us with a warm and genuine welcome. My mum had also fled Lebanon in 1984 to escape the Civil War and managed to get a job in the city, during this time she spent a lot of time in Maroushs’.

Cedar is located in South Wimbledon, near where I grew up. Not only does it have the best and most authentic Lebanese food, but I hold it close to my heart because it’s where my family and I would always go out to eat when I was growing up and even to this day! One of my Teta’s favourites too. My Teta always cooked the best Lebanese/Armenian food so I always trusted her judgement on this one being authentic.

Noura is located in Mayfair. Another spot my mum used to go to after work in the city. They play live music and have upstairs/downstairs seating. With a lot Lebanese spots normally being quite small and intimate, this makes a whole new experience with lots of buzzing atmosphere. The restaurants journey began in the 70s at the very start of the Civil War and they opened up a restaurant in Paris in 1980 before opening another few in London.

Le Val is based in Kingston. We eat here as a family whenever we are in the area. The restaurant is light and airy and has the most amazing Knafeh! I remember once sitting in there with my parents and sisters and it felt weird being there without the whole family, so we called my Aunty and Uncle last minute and they came and bought all of my cousins too. We ended up having an enormous feast.

Tooting is known for it’s British-Asian community, which is why walking through Tooting Market has always been special to me, the market plays host to a wide range of Asian and African cuisines and the fact that I used to visit here with my Teta makes it extra special.

Impact Lebanon is a non-profit organisation based around the world, including the UK. They help Beirut from Beirut itself, especially during the recent explosion that caused devastation and heartbreak to Lebanese people throughout the world. They also helped to bring aid to Beirut from all over the globe. At the time of the recent explosion, Beirut was in the mist of a revolution and a pandemic. Impact Lebanon have been there for the people, trying to help them through this devastating time.

London's Lebanese Spots with Bklava

Elena Kosharny

New York City 

They have several locations all across NYC, but my favourites are in Grammercy, Upper Westside, Park Slope. This place curates each store differently and they have a high standard with what they sell - they're also flexible on price points. Plus, all proceeds from shopping go to The Aids Foundation. Expect home, high end fashion, unique designs and vintage jewellery

People in NYC tend to rotate their wardrobes regularly, this spot focuses on what's in style now so they buy their second hand stock accordingly. You can find cool stuff from just a few seasons ago

The two locations in Williamsburg and at Flat Iron are my favourite. Similar to Crossroads, they do tend to overprice their stuff sometimes and they don't buy as easily as Crossroads, but you can get some good stuff. Particularly menswear, shoes and accessories and denim

SA is super cheap. There's a ton of vintage here for amazing prices. They don't pay attention to brands when they price it so if you're down to rummage you can find some really cool shit. Be warned you will need time to browse as there's little to no organization and there's a lot of crap in there. Fun NY fact, most of my celebrity sightings have happened in Salvation Army

They have a great selection of pure vintage stuff that is just beautiful. Dresses and suits from the 70s and 80s, real high fashion plus a great selection of vintage jewellery. Higher price but reasonable when you consider what you're buying

Massive store with a lot of everything. Leather jackets, outerwear, shoes - this is for your pure Brooklyn vintage experience

Antique and vintage furniture, art, anything from old photographs to door knobs. You can negotiate on price

Elena Kosharny's NYC Thrift Guide

CXLOE

Sydney

Icebergs is Sydney's most instagrammed location! Its located at Bondi Beach and overlooks the infamous Bondi lap pool. You can have a sit down meal overlooking the beach or enjoy a cocktail down below by the pool. There are often beach parties thrown here so definitely have a look for any upcoming shows before you head down!

The Arms is a beautiful outdoor venue right by the water in Sydneys Northern Beaches. The view is an amazing feature about this place but you can also bring your DOG which is the selling point for me. You're not allowed pets in many dining areas in Australia so this is a go to spot for me and my pup.

If you're feeling fancy, Opera Bar is a must as it overlooks the beautiful Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. I grew up playing gigs here until I had enough to move over to the states to start my own career :)

This is one of my favourite places to go in Sydney when I'm needing some puppy love. This is a no kill shelter and all the animals are free to be walked and played with!

Mediterranean is one of my favourite types of food so if you're also a lover of this you HAVE to go to Emma's Snackbar. It's located just outside Sydney CBD and this is where the hub of bars, music venues and shopping is located. They have the best food, it's fast and inexpensive!

A perfect place to go for pre drinks in Sydney's city is The Winery. The name speaks for itself! If you're a lover of good wine and atmosphere this is the place to go. Any and every wine you could ask for and the best homemade pita bread with pumpkin hummus on the planet. It's also located in Surry Hills which is a vibey place to go if you're looking for a cool underground bar or opp shop!

Sydney with CXLOE

Jordan Nocturne

Belfast

Originally destined to be a short-term pop-up, Freight is difficult to miss as it's housed in two shipping containers on the main Newtownards Road. It's brunch and dinner filled with Belfast character - the crispy shrimp po'boy is my pick, and if you ask for Christy you'll be well looked after!

A 'town square' in the traditional sense of the word. Enjoy a coffee and watch the diverse characters who have made the square home - from skate crews to edgy Gen-Z kids hanging out with their friends.

Dumplings & cocktails set to a soundtrack of balearic, disco or whatever fits the vibe.

Home to some of Belfast's most exciting creatives and independent artists, Vault is a community-driven collective of art studios based in an imposing former school building. From circus performers to musicians it's a genuine haven for eccentricity and art.

I came across rivet on the recommendation of my friend Timmy Stewart, who I run The Night Institute alongside. Run by one of Belfast's original rave crew, Ricky Johnston, I recently got kitted out from the comfort of Ricky's garage.

If you can brave the queue, your hangover is sorted. My tip is to pop to the off-licence down the road whilst waiting, grab a cold Estrella, and take your sandwich over to Stormont park and hope security doesn't notice.

Jordan Nocturne's Guide To Belfast

The category is…Black storytelling! Their focus is to make stories by African, Caribbean and Afro-Latinx fam available and readily accessible. You can currently find them at their bookstore pop up in Shoreditch Boxpark.

London’s first ever cactus and succulent shop. Offering a selection of the most unusual and exotic plants sourced from across the UK and Europe. Their online store is still available to shop on.

Eat of Eden serves up some of the best tasting specialist plant based cuisine in there many locations across London. We recommend the callaloo, ackee and macaroni pie.

Brixton Soup Kitchen are a Brixton-based service for the homeless and people in need. However, they help people who are from London and surrounding areas. Their charity provides hot food, support and counselling for people in need. They rely on donations and volunteers to continue their work, which you can easily donate to on their website.

2021 Andam prize winner and a distinctive new voice in the menswear arena, Bianca Saunders has been capturing the attention of the fashion world, alongside the likes of Kanye West and WizKid. The London designer's pieces counter the traditional notions of gender and masculinity and draws from touchstones on either side of her British and West Indian background. Her collection is available to purchase at Browns.

Black Cultural Archives is the home of Black British History. Their mission is to collect, preserve and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK and to inspire and give strength to individuals, communities and society.

If you’re looking to cleanse your home and space, Cremate’s natural incense hand-dipped in London is the shit. They come in two scents: Mary Mother of God and Middle Way. We love both.

Homage Tees are responsible for those T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of British icons like Louis Theroux, Princess Di and David Attenborough.

South London rooted Jewellery and accessory brand Image Gang has garnered a global community of courageous and creative young women. You can purchase Image Gang on ASOS and directly via their website.

Who doesn't need fresh crepes? One of the many businesses created for our culture.

The world would not be the same without Carribean food. Riaz Phillips created Belly Full: Caribbean Food in the UK, to document a journey across the UK meeting the people behind the county's most popular Caribbean eateries. If you love your jerk and rice & peas, why not educate yourself on their history?

Whilst in quarantine, supply yourself with the more fresh and delicious fruit straight to your door weekly. They also give more variety than your basic Tesco selection.

The only paradox we want to be in. Delicious plant based recipes, plant based catering for dinner parties.

Exploring the space where football and the Black experience intersects.

Black Thrive is a partnership between communities, statutory organisations, voluntary and private sector. They work together to reduce the inequality and injustices experienced by Black people in mental health services. They address the barriers which lead to poorer outcomes across a range of social factors, such as education, employment, housing, and so on, all of which may negatively impact one’s health and wellbeing.

Born from a lack of ethnically diverse natural hair care in the luxury beauty industry. Nigerian-Italian Loretta De Feo devised Dizziak – a deep conditioning formula that provides course, textured hair with the rich hydration it needs and deserves. A revolution in multi-cultural hair care, Dizziak has been coined an aphrodisiac for Afro hair – delivering visible and touchable results in minutes.

Specialists in African and Caribbean Literature since 1966. For over 50 years New Beacon Books has made available to Britain and its communities poetry, literature, non –fiction, history and children’s books from Africa, Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America and Britain.

Welcome to the home of natural honey! Founded by local Walthamstow legend, you can subscribe to receive raw honey to your doorstep or even buy bees for yourself.

SEASON is a trailblazing football and fashion platform that launched in London in 2016 to counter the male, pale and sometimes stale state of modern football culture. They tell stories that showcase, celebrate and empower female fans authentically, while unpacking important issues, emphasising diversity and collaborating with exciting creative talent.

Founded by Karl Jouanni, Alive & More is a forward-thinking, and gravity-defying fashion brand. Living within the cosmos of his other venture, TEAM RELMS, ALIVE & MORE is a streetwear label that brings something new, fresh, and all-encompassing to the table. The concept is simple, get the RELMS app, play the game, and travel to the virtual fashion shrine to unlock your very real garments, and, while you’re at it, immerse yourself in the world of Team Relms as well.

Bleu is a creative interior design, mid-century furniture store based in Herne Hill, South London. They source our illustrious stock from around the world. Most of their products are mid-century modern, 20th century design, decorative art, vintage industrial furniture, vintage African masks and art. They also offer specialist upholstery and restoration too!

Trap House Salon is a safe, judgement free space to get your your hair, nails and lashes done at affordable prices. They give you that good good experience and you always leave looking fly.

Gingham doll is a small womenswear brand based in London who continuously excite the fashion palette, using classic silhouettes but with a fresher twist. They are still operating and offering Free post worldwide and have just been informed that our boutique in Shoreditch will reopen on the 20th June.

Pureté Nature is wellness brand for luxury skincare, haircare, aromatherapy and home fragrances. All of their products are ethically sourced and handcrafted by themselves using the finest natural ingredients.

The best radio station in the world. Need we say more? You can subscribe to NTS and become a member now.

Learn how to use your space with Storage Goals. They offer customised and stylish storage solutions that are tailored to your personality. Using Scandinavian designed products from Elfa, they cater for all your home and office storage needs.

In 2016, Dutch streetwear brand Patta, opened its London store doors in the middle of Soho. Ready to introduce London's community to everything it represents, Patta have continuously stayed a brand that influences culture in London and across the world.

The Prince of Peckham is a pub for south London, by south London. The community pub is for everyone in the area, with a downstairs bar and pub, and an amazing event space. On the top floor there is a music room for parties, weddings, meetings, location shoots, live music, art exhibitions, and all other celebrations. Street food kings White Men Can't Jerk are kitchen residents serving up jerk chicken, Caribbean roasts and stacks of wings. It's a vibe all year around.

Based in East London - Hackney. They specialise in running fitness classes, personal training, membership and hiring out our space to fitness professionals. Their goals are to create a safe space for groups and individuals to improve their lifestyles through health, fitness, sports and wellbeing.

Black-Owned Businesses in London

Lillian Hardy

Portland

Go in the morning, get breakfast (ask for the house made hot sauce) and get the cookie to-go. It’s award winning! Take that cookie on a walk up Mt. Tabor! Say hi to the trees.

I spend hours here nerding out on stationary, organizational tools and pens. They have the best selections of paper, manga and tiny sticker books.

This place is out near my studio, so we hit it the most. Be prepared, it gets very rowdy! The dancers are amazingly strong, completely nude and lovely to talk to. Don’t forget, tip every song-- $2 bills only! Throw down more and the show is yours.

A local event space, gallery and grocery store that supports Palestinian artists and activists.

Fresh oysters on Sunday and mind blowing cocktails.

This is my studio. We throw events, art shows, pop-ups and have a range of fun toys to play with. Come by for tea, stay for a while.

Order the baked fish and a white Manhattan.

Live out your organic dad dreams here. Bring cash and a tote. Get the steamy corn :-)

Get out of town and into a hike: Coyote Wall or Dog Mountain. Chase some waterfalls on the old highway then get lunch at White Salmon Bakery. Stop by a winery if you’ve got the time! Hiyu is great.

A Guide to Portland by Lillian Hardy

Madeline

Chicago

Smartbar has been around since 1982, it's a very important institution for us and has one of the best sound systems in the city. Although the venue itself is not technically a queer space, Queen! on Sundays or any nights hosted and curated by queer residents (Ariel Zetina, Shaun J Wright, Harry Cross, myself) carve out necessary space for queer bookings and dancefloors. Queen! is the iconic weekly house party that celebrates the LGBTQ roots of dance music. 

This is one of the oldest running drag establishments in Chicago. It was founded in 1969 and it's where the international drag pageant Miss Continental happens. It's a very old-Chicago type of space - a stairway down into a basement, classic stage with red velvet curtains, carpeted floors - a specific vibe that's becoming more rare in the city. It’s actually just been bought and is being turned into a leather bar but hopefully the new owners will preserve the energy of this historical space. 

Dorothy is one of the only lesbian bars in Chicago! It's only been around for a few years and filled a necessary gap. A cocktail bar with a lot of charm and character to it - very plush with cushions and vibey with mood lighting, the drinks are lovingly concocted by all- queer, trans, and femme bartenders. They have DJs and live music regularly and host a variety of events and themed nights there:  spoken word, poetry, theater, film screenings.

This is another historic establishment that's been around since 1984. It's effectively a gay dive bar, a relic from a time when the downtown "Tower Town" area was more of a queer epicenter than the contemporary Boystown. Most of the bars in Boystown are a bit more commercial and corporate, but Second Story has more of a classic dive character. Lovably tiny and a bit gritty, the drinks are really cheap and it's cash only. It's the type of place that isn't around much anymore.

This is a museum that celebrates the history of gay leather culture, fetishism, and alternative sexual practices in general. A great place to learn more about queer kink and leather history in Chicago and look at a lot of interesting leather garments, old murals from leather bars, and more. 

The gay beach in Chicago! Where "the grinder grid comes to life" as my friend Ben Trotter once said. Hollywood Beach is sort of a spiritual successor to Belmont Rocks which was one of the few places for gay men to be openly queer/cruise in public in the 70s and 80s. Hollywood is less of a cruising spot and more of a place to socialise outside of nightlife and enjoy the sun in the summer, in addition to being more gender inclusive. You can be comfortable in a thong or topless on the beach compared to most family-dominated beaches. The southern half of the beach is queerer than the northern half - look for the rainbow lighthouse on the end of the pier and follow it. Or just follow your ears because there’s usually gay music being played on like 17 different speakers.

This is one of the only Black and trans-operated spaces in the city that functions as a community resource for trans and gender-nonconforming people. It's effectively a community centre with support groups and mutual aid programs. They collect and redistribute food donations through a pantry program, offer lockers for unhoused individuals, provide free wigs and other gender-affirming beauty supplies, and have a temporary housing program. It's a great resource for folks who need some extra support or want to spend time with community in a judgment-free space.

The gay strip club in Boystown. I have many friends who have worked there over the years. It's a fun first stop on the more commercial Boystown bar circuit - a place to do a fireball shot and give the dancers some dollars before hitting the standard bar/drag institutions in the nearby area (Roscoe's, Sidetrack, Splash, Scarlet, etc - all walkable within a few minutes of each other)

Owned and operated by two Black lesbians in the lesbian-heavy neighbourhood of Andersonville, this is pretty much the only other lesbian cocktail bar besides Dorothy. It has a sleek and modern lounge vibe with trivia nights, singles mixers, music, a private events space, and many loving homages to Black femme icons like Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, and Summer Walker.

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